Manchester United have been linked with a number of wingers this summer, and Angel Di Maria and Juan Cuadrado have been two of the most consistent names linked with the Red Devils.

Their manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that the club are lacking important balance in wider areas, which has led him having to rethink United's formation.

Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Nani are the only out-and-out wingers currently at the manager's disposal, and none of them have been up to the levels required in recent seasons.

Valencia has been criticised for being too one-dimensional, Young's United career looked over until pre-season where he was actually fantastic, and Nani is far too inconsistent and could be out the door very soon.

Di Maria's future at Real Madrid is far from certain too. After the Champions League winners signed James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos, it seems that the winger could be surplus to requirements. He looked set for Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain last week, but they pulled out of the deal citing FFP restrictions as the reason.

Van Gaal has added fuel to speculation that Di Maria could become a United player by claiming that they are lacking somebody of his ability in the wide areas.

“Or, I should say, we don’t have wingers of the highest level, like Ronaldo or Di Maria or somebody like that. So, I have to play in another way – and you have seen that already. I only buy when I think we need to buy – in the position that is necessary.”

It might only be a passing comment from United's manager and using Di Maria's name in the same context as Ronaldo's could suggest he is a bit of an unrealistic signing at present. But at least it shows that Van Gaal is a big admirer of the Argentinian international.

“But they have to be of a level than can play well in the English Premier League. You have to ask if that is the case with every player.”

Blind could be a perfect addition to United's squad; his versatility means that he would provide great cover for all the positions the club are weak in, such as centre-back, full-back and defensive midfield.

Should Louis van Gaal make a move for Angel di Maria and Daley Blind?

Alex Dodd

Alex is a third year sports journalism student at Staffordshire University. As well as his love for sport he has a huge passion for technology and always has his eye on the breaking news in the tech world.